Why get vaccinated?
Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine may prevent meningococcal disease that may occur with infection due to the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.
Infection with Neisseria meningitidis can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses like meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections.
Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine does not contain the bacteria.The vaccine works by triggering the body to create antibodies to the bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.
There are different types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine provides protection against serogroup B bacteria; therefore, it does not provide complete protection against other serogroups such as A, C, W, and Y.
How is the vaccine given?
Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider.
Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine is given as 2 or 3 doses given over a period of 6 months.
What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?
Tell your vaccine provider if you:
have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or medication.
tell your vaccine provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.
What are the risks from vaccination?
Side effects that have been reported with meningococcal serogroup B vaccine include:pain, redness, swelling at the site of injection
headache
tiredness
nausea
muscle pain
rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.
How can I learn more?
Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
Ask your healthcare provider.
Call your local or state health department.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
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Selected Revisions: July 15, 2026.